As we make some final rounds around 2011 NFL Draft grades, SB Nation has its own out. Breaking down the AFC West, Brian Galliford gives the Denver Broncos a 'B-' for their efforts last week. Galliford likes the Von Miller pick, but wonders about the pass-rusher's transition to a 4-3 defense. Here's his bottom line:
It's tough to get overly excited, however, knowing that the Broncos have a dearth of talent at defensive tackle, one of the deepest positions of this draft class.
That's going to be the question that surrounds this draft class for some time: did John Elway, John Fox and Brian Xanders make the correct decision in not taking a defensive tackle at any point in the draft? The triumvirate is certainly showing a ton of confidence in Kevin Vickerson, as well hoping for a good find on the free agent market.
Elsewhere, Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post gave the Broncos a 'B' for sticking with defense and not making reaches. That was the best grade out of the AFC West teams, as the Chiefs had a 'C-' for taking questionable character guys, the Raiders a 'C' for having no first-round pick and the Chargers a 'B-' after reaching on Jonas Mouton is the second round.
SI.com's Kerry J. Byrne has given perhaps the highest praise for the Denver Broncos draft:
John Elway's first draft has the potential to be a great one that addressed all the team's most glaring needs. Grade: A
Except for defensive tackle. I'm not sure what blinders Byrne has on, but the team's most glaring need really was on the defensive tackle, at tackle, specifically.